Have you ever wondered who the top players are in the heat exchanger industry? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of heat exchanger manufacturing and explore the companies that are leading the way. Our expert team has conducted extensive research to bring you insights into the strategies and innovations that set these manufacturers apart. Get ready to discover the secrets behind their success and learn how their products are revolutionizing various industries.
Heat exchangers are devices designed to efficiently transfer heat from one fluid to another without mixing the two. They operate on the principles of thermodynamics, utilizing conduction (the transfer of heat through a material without the material itself moving) and convection (the transfer of heat by the physical movement of a fluid). The key purpose is to either heat or cool a fluid, making them vital in numerous applications, from industrial processes to residential heating systems. By maintaining a separation between the fluids, heat exchangers ensure that the properties of each fluid remain intact while optimizing thermal efficiency.
In various sectors, effective thermal management is crucial for operational efficiency and safety. Heat exchangers help regulate temperatures within processes, preventing overheating or excessive cooling that could lead to equipment failure or safety hazards. For instance, in power plants, heat exchangers are used to manage the heat generated in turbines, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the equipment. Additionally, they play a significant role in energy conservation, as an effective heat exchange can reduce energy consumption significantly, leading to cost savings and lower environmental impact.
Shell and tube heat exchangers consist of a series of tubes, where one set carries the hot fluid and the other carries the cold fluid. The design allows for a large surface area for heat transfer, making them suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. They are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation due to their robustness and efficiency. For example, in a refinery, shell and tube heat exchangers are used to cool down the hot oil coming from the distillation column.
Plate heat exchangers utilize a series of thin plates arranged in a frame to create channels for the fluids to flow. The design enhances heat transfer efficiency, as the large surface area and short flow paths allow for effective thermal exchange. Plate heat exchangers are prevalent in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and HVAC applications, where space and cleanliness are critical. A real-world example includes pasteurizing milk in the dairy industry, where the heat exchanger ensures the milk is heated to the right temperature to eliminate bacteria.
Featuring two spiral channels, spiral heat exchangers allow fluids to flow in a counter-current arrangement (where fluids flow in opposite directions to maximize heat transfer). This compact design is particularly effective for applications involving fouling fluids or limited space, making them ideal for food processing and wastewater treatment. For instance, in wastewater treatment plants, spiral heat exchangers help recover heat from treated water to preheat incoming wastewater, improving energy efficiency.
Plate-fin heat exchangers consist of a series of plates with fins attached to enhance heat transfer. The fins increase the surface area, allowing for better thermal performance. Plate-fin heat exchangers are commonly used in aerospace and automotive applications, where weight and efficiency are crucial. In automotive applications, they are often used in intercoolers and radiators to maintain optimal engine temperatures.
Country: Sweden
Founded: 1883
About the company:
Gustaf de Laval was a highly innovative and talented engineer who made numerous important inventions, including the centrifugal separator and the first efficient steam turbine. He registered 92 patents throughout his lifetime and established 37 companies. In 1883, he co-founded AB Separator with Oscar Lamm Jr., which later became Alfa Laval.
Alfa Laval is a leading company in the field of heat exchange, separation, and fluid treatment technologies. These technologies have broad applications across various industries, including chemicals, oil and gas, pulp and paper, sewage treatment, shipping, energy, and food.
To better serve its customers, Alfa Laval has divided its customer departments into two categories: Processing Technology Department and Equipment Department, which cater to specific user groups. The company sells its products in nearly 100 countries, with sales agencies in 50 of them. Alfa Laval operates 42 production sites (22 in Europe, 10 in Asia, 8 in the United States, and 2 in Latin America) and 70 service centers, providing comprehensive support to its customers worldwide.
Country: China
Founded: 1986
About the company:
Siping Juyuan Hanyang Plate Heat Exchanger Co., Ltd., also known as THT Juyuan, was established in 1986 with the aim of building a win-win ecosystem based on honesty, developing China’s heat exchanger industry, and creating a better life for people. The company’s mission is to become a “heat exchange system integration service provider” and its core values are centered around serving customers and achieving employee satisfaction.
THT Juyuan is a high-tech enterprise in China with a postdoctoral workstation and an academician workstation, and a provincial technology research and development center. The company has obtained more than 70 national patents, including 6 invention patents.
It has a domestic advanced production line for plate heat exchanger and integrated heat exchange system and an annual production capacity of 1 million m2 of plate heat exchanger and 5000 sets of integrated heat exchange products.
THT Juyuan is the main drafting unit of national standards for plate heat exchanger and plate heat exchanger units and is a member of the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Boiler and Pressure Vessels. It is also a member of the American Heat Transfer Association and the American Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Industry Association.
The company has passed various certifications, including the safety registration certificate of plate heat exchanger products, the energy conservation registration certificate of plate heat exchanger, the design and manufacturing license of pressure vessels, the design and manufacturing license of civil nuclear safety equipment in China, the American ASME certification, and the American AHRI certification.
All THT giant products have passed the inspection of the National Heat Exchange Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center.
THT Juyuan offers a wide range of plate heat exchange products with numerous variations and extensive product lines that cater to various industries.
With more than 100 heat exchange products from eight different categories, THT Juyuan provides customized and professional solutions for industries such as military, nuclear energy, biomass energy, electric power, petroleum, chemical, metallurgy, shipping, heating and cooling, food and beverage, seawater desalination, distributed energy, and more.
To date, THT Juyuan has accumulated 200,000 successful application cases. By utilizing big data and information technology, the company has established a customer-centric service system that covers the entire product lifecycle and a platform for remote operation, maintenance, product diagnosis, and repair.
In the future, THT Juyuan will continue to strive for excellence in a competitive market by embracing openness, hard work, and innovation. The company aims to achieve rapid growth and contribute to the development of China’s heat exchanger industry.
Country: Britain
Founded: 1910
About the company:
The APV brand, under the Spike company, was established in 1910. Since its founding by Dr. Richard Sherigman, the company has been dedicated to the development of plate heat exchangers. In 1923, Dr. Sherigman produced the first industrial plate heat exchanger, marking the beginning of APV’s commitment to this technology.
APV’s plate heat exchangers are designed with mature technology and efficient engineering. For many years, the company has been at the forefront of plate heat exchanger research and development, with a focus on both fluid flow and heat transfer efficiency, as well as the ease of operation and maintenance, and the durability of the plate gaskets.
The APV brand, now owned by Ampway, offers a wide range of products, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, mixers, homogenizers, and more. These products are widely used in industries such as food and dairy, brewing, chemical, health care, pharmaceuticals, and heavy industry.
APV’s products are designed with lean engineering and undergo strict quality control, ensuring that they meet international health standards. In response to the growing global demand for food safety, Spike is dedicated to continuously designing and manufacturing products that are easy to clean and resource-efficient.
Country: Germany
Founded: 1920
About the company:
Kelvion is a globally renowned company that is dedicated to promoting energy technology advancements and manufacturing industrial heat exchangers. Headquartered in Bochum, Germany, Kelvion was previously the Heat Exchanger Business Unit of the GEA Group. The company officially launched its new brand, Kelvion, in November 2015.
Since its establishment in 1920, Kelvion has served a diverse range of markets, with a global production and sales network spanning 26 countries across 5 continents. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of heat exchanger products, including plate heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, fin and tube heat exchangers, modular cooling towers, and refrigeration heat exchangers.
With the collaboration of 25 manufacturing plants, 70 sales and service locations, and 5000 employees worldwide, Kelvion is committed to providing customers with world-class heat exchange technology and services that meet international standards.
Kelvion places a strong focus on research and development, leveraging its unique capabilities and knowledge to drive innovation in the industry.
Kelvion’s products are utilized in a variety of industries including power, oil and gas, chemicals, marine transportation, HVAC and refrigeration, environmental technology, food and beverage, and others. The company prioritizes safety and sustainability in its operations.
In response to the rapidly growing demand in the Asian market, Kelvion has established production bases in several cities in China since the 1990s. Over the years, the company has developed a cooperative network comprising a Shanghai sales center, Wuhu and Changshu manufacturing centers, and representative offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Dalian, Xi’an, and Chengdu.
Kelvion serves the Asian market, including China, and is widely recognized for its international standard raw materials, manufacturing and processing technology, and customer-centric service approach. The company is highly regarded by both domestic and international customers.
Country: China
Founded: 1963
About the company:
Siping Viex Heat Exchange Equipment Co., Ltd., formerly known as Siping Heat Exchanger General Factory, was established in 1963 and specializes in the production of heat exchange equipment and pressure vessels.
In 1993, the factory entered into a joint venture with the French Vicab Company and introduced a full range of international-level heat exchanger products, manufacturing technology, proprietary technology, and process equipment. As a result, the factory began mass-producing V series plate heat exchangers, heat exchange units, and other products.
In 2002, the company underwent restructuring and became Siping Viex Heat Exchange Equipment Co., Ltd. The company continues to manufacture imported plate heat exchangers and heat exchange units, and has also developed national brand products with its own independent intellectual property rights.
The company operates from a garden-style factory that covers an area of 60,000 square meters, with a building area of 26,000 square meters and a plant area of 15,000 square meters. It is equipped with 310 sets of equipment and staffed by 196 full-time employees, 56 technicians, 32 product design and research personnel, and 25 management personnel.
The annual production capacity of Siping Viex Heat Exchange Equipment Co., Ltd. is 200,000 square meters of plate heat exchangers, 3,000 tons of pressure vessels, shell and tube heat exchangers, air type heat exchangers, and 500 sets of integrated heat exchange equipment.
After many years of hard work, the company has earned its reputation as a true “heat exchange equipment expert”.
The company holds a design license and a manufacturing license for civil nuclear safety equipment issued by the National Nuclear Safety Administration.
Country: China
Founded: 1960
About the company:
Gansu Lanke Petrochemical Hi-Tech Equipment Co., Ltd. (referred to as Lanke Hi-Tech), with a registered capital of 350 million yuan, is a prominent player in China’s equipment manufacturing industry.
As of March 2016, Lanke Hi-Tech’s equipment and products have been distributed across 31 provinces and cities, as well as in over 10 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, South Africa, Sudan, India, Myanmar, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. The company maintains technical exchanges and friendly cooperative relationships with relevant companies in these countries.
Lanke Hi-Tech is a pioneer in China’s petrochemical equipment and marine and desert oil industries. Its precursor, the Lanzhou Petroleum Machinery Research Institute, was established in May 1960 as a centralized management institute for the industrial technology of national petroleum drilling and production machinery, refining and chemical equipment.
The company focuses on research, development, design, and manufacturing of oil drilling and production machinery, oil refining and chemical equipment, marine and desert oil equipment and engineering, oil refining and chemical engineering, natural gas treatment and liquid recovery engineering, light industry and food machinery, performance testing and evaluation of oil drilling and production machinery, and oil refining and chemical equipment.
Additionally, Lanke Hi-Tech provides technical consulting, software development for petroleum and petrochemical equipment, general contracting for engineering design and construction, manufacturing management, and supervision.
Country: USA
Founded: 1932
About the company:
Tranter is a leading global manufacturer of plate heat exchangers and provider of after-sales services in the plate heat exchanger industry. The company conducts a significant amount of manufacturing, research, design engineering, and product development activities in the United States, Brazil, Sweden, China, and India, ensuring it can meet local needs.
Tranter operates globally through its network of sales companies, licensees, and agents. The company’s heat exchangers are unique in that they transfer heat through heat exchange plates rather than tubes, resulting in high heat transfer efficiency and low fouling tendency.
This allows for compact equipment with a smaller heat transfer area compared to traditional shell and tube heat exchangers, ultimately reducing raw material and human resource requirements and lowering early and future operating costs.
The Tranter Service Center is staffed by technical experts with extensive experience and the ability to repair all brands of plate heat exchangers, either in their workshop or on-site. Tranter’s business encompasses all continents, offering manufacturing, engineering, sales, and service.
Tranter Plate Heat Exchanger (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Tranter PHE Inc. in China, specializes in the manufacture of removable plate heat exchangers and all-welded plate heat exchangers. For many years, Tranter China has provided heat exchange products and services to a range of industries including petrochemicals, machinery, automobiles, food, power metallurgy, shipbuilding, HVAC, and others.
Country: China
Founded: 1997
About the company:
Jiangsu Sunpower Pressure Vessel Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has evolved into a world-class manufacturer of heat exchangers and nonferrous metal equipment, offering proprietary complete equipment with a range of core manufacturing processes and technologies. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhongsheng Science and Technology.
Its primary products include Class I, II, and III pressure vessels, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and installation of special metals such as nickel and nickel base alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys, zirconium, tantalum, and their composite plates, as well as various stainless steel and dual-phase steel pressure vessels, particularly reactors, heat exchangers, and other equipment.
For many years, the company has served the petroleum, chemical, metallurgy, and other industries by providing high-quality and reliable products and services. The company has received qualification certifications from several multinational companies and has established extensive business contacts.
Jiangsu Sunpower has established long-standing partnerships with international enterprises such as BASF (Q4 level supplier), BP and Shell (global supplier), DOW, Celanese, DuPont, SABIC, Alcoa, Arkema, and others. It is also a qualified supplier for engineering companies such as Fluor, CTCl, Foster Wheeler, WorleyParsons, and Lummus.
The company’s products have been exported to the United States, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Australia, Thailand, and other countries and regions, earning high praise from users.
Country: Denmark
Founded: 1984
About the company:
Sondex A/S was established in Denmark in 1984 with the aim of providing custom plate heat exchanger solutions to its customers. Over the years, the company has experienced rapid growth and has become a global enterprise.
Sondex has numerous sales subsidiaries and production bases around the world and is a leading manufacturer of plate heat exchangers, maintaining close relationships with its local sales and service teams.
The company operates its own hydraulic equipment and gasket production facilities, with all molds designed and manufactured in-house, which enables it to control and monitor quality without relying on outside suppliers.
In July 2016, Danfoss fully acquired Sondex, bringing together the expertise of two powerful market players to create a more powerful and flexible heat exchanger solution. In 2018, Sondex became the high-quality heat exchanger brand under Danfoss.
Today, customers benefit greatly from Danfoss’s strong infrastructure and Sondex’s heat transfer expertise, providing a one-stop shopping experience.
Country: USA
Founded: 1947
About the company:
API Heat Exchanger is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of industrial heat exchangers and heat exchange systems. Its heat exchange products boast a wide range of excellent performance and have a high reputation globally.
The company was established in 1947, and ten years later, it created the brand Basco, which specializes in producing shell and tube heat exchanger products. Over the course of more than half a century, API Heat Exchanger has grown to include four well-known brands: Basco, Whitlock, Schmidt, and Airtech, and employs over 800 people worldwide.
Throughout its 100+ years of development, API Heat Exchanger has consistently provided economical, high-quality products for OEM customers and users. The company’s product design is innovative and widely used, encompassing standard shell and tube, tube fin, detachable, brazed, welded, semi-welded, brazed aluminum plate fin, and custom brazed aluminum water tank designs.
These products are used in a variety of industries, including compressors, freezers, air separators, electric power, general industry, food and beverage, and refrigeration.
In addition to heat exchangers, API can also provide complete evaporation, sterilization, drying, and dealcoholization systems. The company invests heavily in advanced technology, including innovative design, R&D of advanced software, and production capacity, to better meet the needs of customers. This investment is not just for the future development of the company, but also to provide considerate service, which is active, professional, and consistent.
At API, high-quality pre-sales and after-sales services are provided by both front-line sales engineers who directly interact with customers and a professional technical team responsible for production. The company offers not only standard models but also customized products to meet the specific needs of customers.
API Heat Exchanger’s commitment to high-quality service has earned it a positive reputation among OEM customers and users. The company operates production facilities in the United States, Germany, and China and has a strong sales network that spans the globe. No matter where you are located, API Heat Exchanger can provide professional technical support.
API Heat Exchanger recognizes that maintaining its leading position in the heat exchanger industry requires a combination of continuous innovation in design, strong technical support, a satisfied customer base, and excellent product performance.
Selecting a manufacturer with extensive experience is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient heat exchanger solutions. Manufacturers like Enerquip Thermal Solutions and Mason Manufacturing, with their decades of industry experience, understand the complexities of different applications and can provide tailored solutions.
Certifications such as ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) are essential indicators of a manufacturer’s commitment to quality and safety standards. ASME certification ensures that products meet rigorous industry benchmarks. Manufacturers like Mason Manufacturing and Exergy, LLC hold ASME certifications, underscoring their adherence to high manufacturing standards.
A manufacturer offering a wide range of products can cater to diverse needs and applications. This flexibility is crucial for businesses requiring different types of heat exchangers for various processes. Manufacturers like Tranter®, Inc. and Taco Comfort Solutions provide an extensive portfolio of heat exchangers, ensuring customers can find the right product for their specific requirements.
The ability to provide custom-designed heat exchangers is a significant advantage. Manufacturers that offer customization services can tailor their products to meet unique operational challenges and specifications. Enerquip Thermal Solutions and Krueger Engineering & Manufacturing Company excel in providing customized solutions, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency for their clients.
Excellent customer support and after-sales service are essential factors to consider. Manufacturers that offer robust support services can assist with installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring the longevity and reliability of their products. Companies like Taco Comfort Solutions are known for their customer-centric approach, providing comprehensive support to their clients.
Before comparing heat exchangers, it is essential to define the specific thermal and mechanical requirements of your application. This includes understanding the temperature and pressure conditions, as well as the properties of the fluids involved. For instance, a heat exchanger used in a chemical processing plant may need to operate at high temperatures and pressures, while one in a residential HVAC system will require a different set of specifications.
Operating temperature is a critical factor when selecting a heat exchanger. Different applications necessitate various temperature tolerances. For example, in power generation, heat exchangers must withstand temperatures exceeding 600°F (315°C) to efficiently transfer heat without degrading. In contrast, HVAC systems typically operate within a range of 40°F to 150°F (4°C to 66°C). Manufacturers like Alfa Laval provide detailed specifications that help users select appropriate models based on these operational demands.
The pressure range of a heat exchanger is equally important. High-pressure applications, such as those in the oil and gas industry, require robust designs capable of sustaining pressures up to 3,000 psi. Shell and tube heat exchangers are often preferred in these scenarios due to their strength and versatility. For example, Tranter® offers models specifically designed for high-pressure environments, ensuring reliability and safety.
The materials used in heat exchangers significantly influence their performance and suitability for specific applications. Stainless steel, for instance, is commonly used in chemical processing due to its corrosion resistance and durability. Copper, with its excellent thermal conductivity, is often used in residential applications. Case studies have shown that using duplex stainless steel in marine applications can enhance resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, extending the equipment’s lifespan. Manufacturers such as Rheem and Lennox utilize these materials strategically to optimize performance based on the application.
Certifications are essential for ensuring that a heat exchanger meets industry standards and safety requirements. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) certification signifies that a product adheres to rigorous safety and performance standards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines that help prevent fire hazards in heat exchanger design and installation. The American Petroleum Institute (API) certification is crucial for equipment used in petroleum and natural gas industries, ensuring reliability and safety. Understanding these certifications helps buyers make informed decisions regarding product quality.
Several tools are available to assist in comparing different heat exchangers. Online databases and manufacturer websites provide comprehensive product specifications, enabling users to filter options based on specific needs. Software like HTRI (Heat Transfer Research, Inc.) offers advanced simulations for comparing thermal performance and efficiency. Industry publications often feature reviews and comparisons, providing valuable insights from experts and users.
By comparing these features and utilizing available resources, you can make an informed decision that ensures optimal performance and efficiency for your specific application.
As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.
EN 
AR 
DE 
ES 
FR 
IT 
JA 
NL 
PT 
PT_BR 
RU 
KO